6 Steps to Compel Passive Candidates on Linkedin to Respond

Almost every professional have a linkedin account these days and if you are a sourcer you can not afford to keep linkedin out of your sourcing strategy.
When ever you contact any one through inmail there are high chances that you may not get any response and your inmail may be ignored just like any other email.
Before sending an inmail it should be kept in mind that this is not a regular email which you are sending to any candidates. You are looking for passive candidates. You have to grab their attention just in few lines which would compel them to respond. 

Step #1: First message should be a conversation starter.

•The first message should be the conversation starter, don’t be in a hurry.

•Adopt a conversational.

•Write about the key skill or experience which you notice in their linkedin profile which prompted you to write to them.

Step #2: Choice of words

•Find the words that best represent your own “personal voice” and include you organization’s tone as well.

•Frame your message around how you can help them in their goals, instead of on your need to fill the position.

Step #3: A reason to reply

•Do not share every thing. Share the minimum possible information required to convey your message. Sharing too much information may take away the reason to reply.

•Be Brief and to the point. The first 255 characters are delivered in the notification email, so keep it under 255 characters.

•Include the webpage address of the job posting, shortened links (ie, bit.ly)

Step #4: Focus on finding out their availability/interest in a new job.

•Do not cut and paste the job description. This is not a mass email you are sending to random candidates. Remember you are looking for passive candidates.

•You have read their profile, so you already know they are qualified. Do not ask irrelevant question.

•Your message should start a dialog about their career path/goals or how you can help them.

Step #6: Always ask for opinions/referrals

•Just asking for referrals or advice may not work.

•Again the focus should be on choice of words and how you ask for referrals.

•Asking for referral would make them feel like you value their expertise and would compel them to respond.

The above points are not only restricted to linkedin but would also be helpful for other channels with little changes if you are sourcing passive candidates.